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Almeida CMR, Merillas B, Pontinha ADR. Trends on Aerogel-Based Biosensors for Medical Applications: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1309. [PMID: 38279307 PMCID: PMC10816975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aerogels are unique solid-state materials composed of interconnected 3D solid networks and a large number of air-filled pores. This structure leads to extended structural characteristics as well as physicochemical properties of the nanoscale building blocks to macroscale, and integrated typical features of aerogels, such as high porosity, large surface area, and low density, with specific properties of the various constituents. Due to their combination of excellent properties, aerogels attract much interest in various applications, ranging from medicine to construction. In recent decades, their potential was exploited in many aerogels' materials, either organic, inorganic or hybrid. Considerable research efforts in recent years have been devoted to the development of aerogel-based biosensors and encouraging accomplishments have been achieved. In this work, recent (2018-2023) and ground-breaking advances in the preparation, classification, and physicochemical properties of aerogels and their sensing applications are presented. Different types of biosensors in which aerogels play a fundamental role are being explored and are collected in this manuscript. Moreover, the current challenges and some perspectives for the development of high-performance aerogel-based biosensors are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio M. R. Almeida
- University of Coimbra, CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.R.A.); (B.M.)
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Merillas
- University of Coimbra, CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Silvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal; (C.M.R.A.); (B.M.)
- Cellular Materials Laboratory (CellMat), Condensed Matter Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Valladolid, Campus Miguel Delibes, Paseo de Belén 7, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ana Dora Rodrigues Pontinha
- University of Coimbra, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
- SeaPower, Associação Para o Desenvolvimento da Economia do Mar, Rua Das Acácias, N° 40A, Parque Industrial Da Figueira Da Foz, 3090-380 Figueira Da Foz, Portugal
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Ghica ME, Mandinga JGS, Linhares T, Almeida CMR, Durães L. Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Silica Aerogels for Thermal Insulation Applications through a Combination of Aramid Nanofibres and Microfibres. Gels 2023; 9:535. [PMID: 37504414 PMCID: PMC10378766 DOI: 10.3390/gels9070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reinforcement of silica aerogels, remarkable lightweight mesoporous materials with outstanding insulation performance, is still a challenging research topic. Among the strategies used to overcome their brittleness, one of the most effective is the manufacturing of aerogel composites with embedded fibres. In this work, the incorporation of nanofibres together with microfibres in a tetraethoxysilane-vinyltrimethoxysilane matrix is investigated for the first time for the development of novel aerogel nanocomposites. The nanofibres, synthesized from different aramid fibres, including Kevlar® pulp, Technora®, Teijinconex® and Twaron® fibres, were used in different combinations with microaramids and the resulting nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated for their physicochemical and thermomechanical features. The properties depended on the type and amount of the nano/microfibre used. While the microfibres exhibited low interaction with the silica matrix, the higher surface of the nanofibres ensured increased contact with the gel matrix. A low bulk density of 161 kg m-3 and thermal conductivity of 38.3 mW m-1 K-1 (Hot Disk®) was achieved when combining the nanofibres obtained from Kevlar® pulp with the Technora® or Teijinconex® long fibres. The nanofibres showed higher dispersion and random orientation and in combination with microfibres led to the improvement by a factor of three regarding the mechanical properties of the aerogel nanocomposites reinforced only with microfibres. The scale-up process of the samples and simulated tests of thermal cycling and vacuum outgassing successfully conducted indicate good compliance with space applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Emilia Ghica
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jandira G S Mandinga
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Linhares
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudio M R Almeida
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luisa Durães
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
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Iglesias I, Almeida CMR, Teixeira C, Mucha AP, Magalhães A, Bio A, Bastos L. Linking contaminant distribution to hydrodynamic patterns in an urban estuary: The Douro estuary test case. Sci Total Environ 2020; 707:135792. [PMID: 31865079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
An increase in anthropogenic activities in coastal regions can put at risk their flora and fauna and their ecosystem services. Therefore, it is important to evaluate possible impacts. In particular, we need to understand the links between contaminants concentrations and the hydrodynamic patterns of these highly productive regions to anticipate the effects of contaminants in the environment. Towards that aim there is the need to carry out regular campaigns to monitor the evolution of the coastal systems. In this work we analyse in-situ measurements of physico-chemical parameters, and look for possible relations between observed contaminants patterns and estuarine hydrodynamics. Data collected in the Douro estuary, one of the main estuarine regions of the Iberian western coast, revealed the presence of 5 hazardous and noxious substances (HNS), 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 6 trace metals in water and sediment samples. Water temperature and salinity analysis revealed a strong variability, which can affect the water solubility properties and the organisms' tolerance to certain toxins. A relationship between the salinity and the HNS and PAHs concentrations was found, caused by the existence of a salt-wedge that triggers the salting-out effect. Sinker contaminants (PAHs and trace metals) can be re-suspended both during low and high flow conditions associated with the salt-wedge and with strong river flows. Floater contaminants (HNS) are completely depended on the tide, which has the capacity to distribute them through the entire estuary, during low river flow regimes. However, strong river flows, with associated river plumes, can distribute both sinker and floater contaminants to the coastal region trapping them over the inner-shelf. The results clearly show that hydrodynamic patterns are a major driver for contaminants dispersion and pathways in coastal areas, inducing harmful effects to the flora and fauna and, consequently, to the ecosystem services of these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Iglesias
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - C M R Almeida
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - C Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - A P Mucha
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - A Magalhães
- Astronomic Observatory Professor Manuel de Barros, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - A Bio
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - L Bastos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Geosciences Environment and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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Gorito AM, Ribeiro AR, Almeida CMR, Silva AMT. A review on the application of constructed wetlands for the removal of priority substances and contaminants of emerging concern listed in recently launched EU legislation. Environ Pollut 2017; 227:428-443. [PMID: 28486186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of organic pollutants in the aquatic environment, usually found at trace concentrations (i.e., between ng L-1 and μg L-1 or even lower, known as micropollutants), has been highlighted in recent decades as a worldwide environmental concern due to their difficult elimination by conventional water and wastewater treatment processes. The relevant information on constructed wetlands (CWs) and their application for the removal of a specific group of pollutants, 41 organic priority substances/classes of substances (PSs) and 8 certain other substances with environmental quality standards (EQS) listed in Directive 2013/39/EU as well as 17 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) of the Watch List of Decision 2015/495/EU, is herein reviewed. Studies were found for 24 PSs and 2 other substances with EQS: octylphenol, nonylphenol, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, trichloromethane, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, pentachlorobenzene, benzene, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, naphthalene, fluoranthene, trifluralin, alachlor, isoproturon, diuron, tributyltin compounds, simazine, atrazine, chlorpyrifos (chlorpyrifos-ethyl), chlorfenvinphos, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorophenol, endosulfan, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (or DDT) and dieldrin. A few reports were also published for 8 CECs: imidacloprid, erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, diclofenac, estrone, 17-beta-estradiol and 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol. No references were found for the other 17 PSs, 6 certain other substances with EQS and 9 CECs listed in EU legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Gorito
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - C M R Almeida
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Adrián M T Silva
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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Montenegro IPFM, Mucha AP, Reis I, Rodrigues P, Almeida CMR. Effect of petroleum hydrocarbons in copper phytoremediation by a salt marsh plant (Juncus maritimus) and the role of autochthonous bioaugmentation. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:19471-19480. [PMID: 27381357 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This work aimed to investigate, under controlled but environmental relevant conditions, the effects of the presence of both inorganic and organic contaminants (copper and petroleum hydrocarbons) on phytoremediation potential of the salt marsh plant Juncus maritimus. Moreover, bioaugmentation, with an autochthonous microbial consortium (AMC) resistant to Cu, was tested, aiming an increase in the remediation potential of this plant in the presence of a co-contamination. Salt marsh plants with sediment attached to their roots were collected, placed in vessels, and kept in greenhouses, under tidal simulation. Sediments were contaminated with Cu and petroleum, and the AMC was added to half of the vessels. After 5 months, plants accumulated significant amounts of Cu but only in belowground structures. The amount of Cu was even higher in the presence of petroleum. AMC addition increased Cu accumulation in belowground tissues, despite decreasing Cu bioavailability, promoting J. maritimus phytostabilization potential. Therefore, J. maritimus has potential to phytoremediate co-contaminated sediments, and autochthonous bioaugmentation can be a valuable strategy for the recovery and management of moderately impacted estuaries. This approach can contribute for a sustainable use of the environmental resources. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- I P F M Montenegro
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
| | - A P Mucha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal.
| | - I Reis
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
| | - P Rodrigues
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
| | - C M R Almeida
- CIMAR/CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123, Porto, Portugal
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Salgado P, Visnevschi-Necrasov T, Kiene RP, Azevedo I, Rocha ACS, Almeida CMR, Magalhães C. Determination of 3-mercaptopropionic acid by HPLC: A sensitive method for environmental applications. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2015; 992:103-8. [PMID: 25966653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The organic sulfur compound 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) is an important thiol intermediate in organic sulfur metabolism in natural environments. It is generated during degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids (e.g. methionine) and from demethylation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP). This pathway is an alternative enzymatic process in the DMSP catabolism that routes sulfur away from the climatically-active dimethyl sulfide (DMS). 3-MPA detection and subsequent quantification in different matrices is difficult due to its extreme reactivity. We therefore developed a sensitive method for determination of 3-MPA based on pre-column derivatization with monobromobimane and analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. This methodology was first tested with 3-MPA standards under low (0.005-0.2μmolL(-1)) and high (1-25μmolL(-1)) concentrations. For the optimization of the reaction, CHES and, alternatively, Tris-HCl buffers were evaluated in the derivatization step, with Tris-HCl showing more effective separation of thiol derivatives and a better 3-MPA peak shape. The detection limit was 4.3nmolL(-1) with a 10μL sample injection, and mean recoveries of 3-MPA ranged from 97 to 105% in estuarine waters with different salinities (0.17 and 35.9ppt). The linearity (r>0.99) and repeatability of detector response, with intra- and inter-day precision (% CV) of 2.68-7.01% and 4.86-12.5%, respectively, confirmed the reliability of the method. Previous 3-MPA analytical methods required immediate analysis due to unstable derivatives, but in this method we achieved high stability of the derivatized samples when stored at 4°C, with only a 3-5% loss after more than one year of storage. This method was successfully applied to measure 3-MPA concentrations and rates of 3-MPA production in a variety of intertidal estuarine sediment slurries. Dissolved 3-MPA concentrations in these sediment slurries varied between 2 and 237μmolL(-1) and, 3-MPA net fluxes ranged in wet sediments between -3.6±1.7 and 30±5μmolL(-1)g(-1)h(-1). Thus, the application of this optimized methodology showed an efficient performance for measuring 3-MPA in environmental samples, with a straightforward sample derivatization and a simple analysis of stable 3-MPA derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Salgado
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - T Visnevschi-Necrasov
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - R P Kiene
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of South Alabama, LSCB 25, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, USA
| | - I Azevedo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - A C S Rocha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - C M R Almeida
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - C Magalhães
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas, n° 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
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Oliveira T, Mucha AP, Reis I, Rodrigues P, Gomes CR, Almeida CMR. Copper phytoremediation by a salt marsh plant (Phragmites australis) enhanced by autochthonous bioaugmentation. Mar Pollut Bull 2014; 88:231-238. [PMID: 25240741 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Here we evaluated whether the potential of Phragmites australis to phytoremediate Cu contaminated sediments could be enhanced by bioaugmentation with an autochthonous microorganism consortium (AMC) that is resistant to Cu. Saltmarsh plants with sediment attached to their roots were collected, placed in vessels and kept in greenhouses, under tidal simulation. Sediments were contaminated with Cu and the AMC was added to half of the vessels. After two months, plants accumulated significant amounts of Cu (2-10 times more) in all tissues although in higher amounts (7-10 times more) in belowground structures. AMC addition increased Cu bioavailability (5-10%) in sediments leading to a decrease in belowground structures biomass. However, bioaugmentation increased Cu translocation, with higher amounts (2 times more) of Cu in the plant stems, without significant visual toxicity signs. Therefore, autochthonous bioaugmentation can increase Cu phytoextraction potential of P. australis, which can be a valuable strategy for the recovery and management of moderately impacted estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Oliveira
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - A P Mucha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - I Reis
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - P Rodrigues
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - C R Gomes
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - C M R Almeida
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
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